1 Peter

By Mary Jane Chaignot

1 Peter begins with a simple statement: "Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ." Biblically speaking, however, few statements are really that simple. And so it is here. Most modern scholars do not think this book was written by Peter (Simon, son of Jonah), one of the first apostles called by Jesus at the Sea of Galilee. He emerged as a leader among the apostles, oftentimes speaking impetuously. His denial of Jesus prior to the crucifixion is legendary as is his redemption. Peter also played a huge role in the formation and development of the early church and sometimes was at odds with Paul over their respective ministries.

Since he is the most likely candidate for authorship, why do scholars question it? The reasons are many. 1 Peter, like several other biblical books, is written in very sophisticated Greek. It is difficult to imagine that a simple fisherman would have had those skills. Another big question involves the fact that while scripture is frequently quoted, it is always from the Septuagint, the Greek version. Peter would certainly have been versed in Aramaic and Hebrew, but scholars question his proficiency with Greek. Even the use of his name raises questions. 1 Peter uses the Greek form (Peter), but whenever Paul refers to him, he uses the Aramaic form (Cephas), suggesting that's how he was commonly known.

Then there's the whole issue of theological development. The author of 1 Peter clearly knows several of Jesus' sayings, but does not attribute them to Jesus. If Peter the apostle really had written this book, it would be a strange omission since he was one of Jesus' closest followers. Furthermore, many of the issues raised by Paul in his letters are decidedly absent – there are no words about opponents or Judaizers, circumcision, or dietary laws. It is as though these have all been dealt with and are problems belonging to the past. The topics that are discussed, however, bear a close resemblance to some of Paul's later writings. This suggests that the author had access to these letters and wrote them after Paul's ministry had ended. These are not conclusive arguments against Petrine authorship, of course, because scholars are somewhat limited in their understanding about how theology developed in the early church. It is possible that some things were just "out there," available to all good thinkers in society. Yet enough questions have been raised, which have impelled scholars to maintain that 1 Peter was written after the Pauline letters. And if this is the case, then the best that one can say is that 1 Peter (along with many of the letters attributed to Paul) was written pseudonymously.

Because Peter acknowledges Silvanus at the end of his letter, some scholars want to attribute it to him. If this is the same Silvanus mentioned in Acts and 1 Thessalonians, then he would have been one of Paul's companions and possibly well-versed in Greek. He could have used Peter's ideas and formulated them in a way that would have been accessible for Greek-speaking converts. Others think 1 Peter might have been written by a church (possibly in Rome) to be sent to other churches. Since Peter had worked in Rome, they might have honored him by attributing the letter to him. The point of these arguments tries to tie Peter to this letter while acknowledging he might not have written every word.

Regardless of authorship, the topics of the letter are pretty clear. It was written to encourage believers living in a hostile world. There does not seem to be whole scale persecution going on, but they were living in a time when being a Christian was fraught with danger. They were subject to accusations, slander, and insults. Yet in all this, they were to see their lives as being in continuity with God's plans from the beginning. They were under His protection and could trust His presence in their lives. Peter referred often to the atoning death of Christ and encouraged believers to follow in his footsteps during their own trials and tribulations. In all this, they were, of course, to love and care for each other.

Scholars think the most plausible date for such a letter might be around 90 C.E. The severe persecutions of Domitian had not yet occurred, but the winds were blowing and attitudes were forming. (Other credible scholars, however, have argued for dates as much as three decades earlier or later.) The recipients of the letter are presumably Gentiles who had converted to Christianity, leaving behind their pagan neighbors and their pagan ways. This could explain the multiple references to "resident aliens" or "exiles." This was a technical term that described those who were displaced or living under social and economic restrictions. While it could have been addressed to people who had been literally displaced, it is more likely to have a symbolic meaning for those who no longer fit into society. The people of 1 Peter were struggling to maintain their purity and identity in a hostile world. The symbolism, then, had a profound social reality. Additionally, there are several references to the social order of the "house." While they are all members of God's household, another stark reality involved negotiating actual household issues. This would have particularly affected slaves and wives. If masters and husbands converted, it was assumed that their whole households would be included. Problems arose, however, for slaves with pagan masters, and wives with pagan husbands. Hence, there is a lengthy admonition addressed to slaves and wives (2:18-3:7), but nothing for masters and only one verse for husbands.

There are roughly five sections to this letter: 1:1-2 – Introduction/Salutation; 1:3-2:10 – Magnificence of Salvation; 2:11-3:12 – Living in Christian Submission and Honoring God; 3:13-5:11 – Christians will Suffer and Be Persecuted; 5:12-14 – Conclusion.

I -- 1:1-2 – Introduction/Salutation

1:1-2

Peter introduces himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ

This indicates he was a messenger selected by Jesus

Peter had great responsibility in the early Church

He describes his audience in three ways:

They are God's elect – marked as his special people

They are strangers in the world – temporary residents in a foreign place

They are scattered throughout the Roman Empire – true homeland is in heaven

They have been chosen by God; that was his intention all along

God's purpose was fulfilled through the sanctifying work of the Spirit

The believer will respond in obedience to Jesus Christ

This alludes to the covenant – ratified by the sprinkling of blood

Grace and peace to all

Peter prays that this might be bestowed upon believers abundantly

II – 1:3-2:10 – Magnificence of Salvation

1:3-9

Praising God for that salvation

Peter praises God for giving the gift of Jesus and for raising him from the dead

Indeed, this is a new creation, i.e. a "new birth"

None of this was possible for humans to do on their own

A "new birth" generally means a new family

Here, it refers to a divine inheritance that can never fade or perish

This inheritance is kept in heaven, out of the reach of enemies

Believers are shielded by God's power – until the last day

In this they can all rejoice despite trials and present sufferings

Whatever they have to face, they will find God's grace to be sufficient

In fact, faith is made stronger through these trials

Faith, unlike gold, will never perish even when refined by fire

Faith that endures will result in praise when the majesty of Jesus is revealed

The faithful will receive this praise

Even though these believers were not eye-witnesses to

Jesus, they are blessed Jesus is alive in their lives resulting in expressible joy

Joy is derived from reaching the goal of their faith – salvation of your souls

In Christ's care, their soul is safe regardless of human trials and circumstances

1:10-12

Salvation was prophesied

Christians are experiencing the salvation that the prophets only glimpsed

The prophets could only long for the messianic time

Christians are in it, living it first hand

These prophecies included both sufferings and glories of Christ

It was the Spirit of Christ that had inspired these prophets

They searched the scriptures trying to determine the time and circumstances

The prophets knew the time would come in later generations

They were not serving themselves but you

Those who preach the gospel have understood the implications of the OT message

These gospel preachers have also been inspired by the Holy Spirit

This is the age of God's fulfilled promises

Even the angels long to look into these things

No one is privy to all of God's plans

1:13-25

Living in response to their gift of salvation

Those who appreciate the gift will live in obedience to Christ

They need to prepare for action

They should remove any distractions that would hinder growth

They should "gird up the loins of your mind" – be ready to work

This does not refer to intellectual activity, but to a self-controlled life

They should set their hopes on the grace given from Jesus Christ revealed

Regardless of trials, they can live their lives in confident hope

When Jesus is revealed, God's plan will be known to all

They are to be as obedient children, not conforming to evil desires of the past

Conversion brings a complete change of attitude

They are to be holy in all that they do – just as God is holy

They should, therefore, express God in all their activities

These teachings are derived from scripture: "Be holy, because I am holy" (Lev. 11:44-45)

God had rescued these people; life would be forever different for them

With God as their Father, they live in happy obedience

Their "work" will be judged impartially

Christ has already paid the price for past sins

They will be judged on their present and future behaviors

They should live as strangers, knowing this life is only temporary

The price of this relationship with God was not paid in silver or gold

These are perishable items; price was paid with blood of sacrifice

Christ's redemptive work delivered them from the sins of their past

This "empty" way of life had been inherited from their forefathers

Now, however, the sacrifice of the "lamb without blemish or defect" has secured what nothing else could – their salvation

This was all planned long before the world came into being

Believers are privileged to be living in these messianic times

People can believe in God because of what He has done through Jesus Christ

The resurrection of Jesus is foundational to faith

By obeying the truth, believers have purified themselves

Part of their growth in grace involves sincere love for their brothers

They are to love one another "deeply, from the heart"

Another reason to love is that they have been "born again"

This is not of perishable seed, but imperishable

This seed is of divine life (another implication of the "new birth")

Peter quotes Isa 40:6-8 to indicate God's faithfulness "All men are like grass…The word of the Lord is forever"

This is the essence of the message that has been preached to them

The word is "living and enduring"

2:1-10

Let them grow in salvation

There is no place for misconduct in the believers' "new birth"

They are to rid themselves of any and all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, et al

In so doing, their own determination will cooperate with divine grace

All these vices involve relations with others

They should replace these negative attitudes with "spiritual milk"

He uses metaphor of a healthy newborn desiring its mother's milk

In like manner, they should grow up in their salvation

They have "tasted that the Lord is good" (Ps 34:8)

Because they have experienced divine love, they cannot turn back

To insure against backsliding, they need to continue to grow

Peter invites them to consider the nature of their community

Here Christ is not "food" but a "stone"

This was "the living Stone -- rejected by men but chosen by God"

This again illustrates that God's plan was made long ago and will endure

Enemies could not thwart God's purpose

Believers are also like stones – chosen by God and shaped to build God's house

They stand rejected before God, having brought judgment upon themselves

They will stumble and fall – because they disobeyed the message God's people, however, are a royal priesthood, a holy nation

They are a people belonging to God, declaring the praises of Him who called them out of darkness

The darkness was due to their ignorance of God

Now they are in His wonderful light – an OT image for divine presence

Peter contrasts their lives before and after their spiritual rebirth

Before they were not a people and had not received mercy – now they have

The blessings originally promised to Israel are now firmly lodged within the Christian church

III – 2:11-3:12 – Living in Christian Submission and Honoring God

2:11-12

How to live this "new birth" among others

Peter reminds them they live in this world as strangers and aliens

Their true home, of course, is an eternal home in heaven

So how are they to live in this world among unbelievers?

They are to abstain from sinful desires that war against the soul

This will not only benefit them, but also will be a powerful witness to others

They should live such good lives that no one can accuse them of anything

Any such accusations will automatically be known as false

Even their opponents will have to accede, giving glory to God on the last day

When God visits, He will support His people in mercy and judgment

2:13-17

They must submit to civil authority

Relations to the state were always complicated; authorities were all pagans

Much of community life centered around pagan worship

Here, Peter tells them to be good citizens and to submit to every authority

This includes both the king and his emissaries (governors)

He asks them to submit "for the Lord's sake" for God authorized the rulers

Ultimately, though, God is the only authority

The job of civil authorities is to punish wrong doing and commend what is right

There is no sense of "reformation"

Christians should be "model citizens"

Their right actions will "silence the ignorant talk of foolish men"

Perhaps this refers to those who truly don't understand what motivates Christians

Regardless of their worldly circumstances, Christians "live as free men"

They have had the "new birth" that is outside human norms

Peter describes them as "servants of God"

They will find themselves free as they live in service to God

Therefore, they should "show respect to everyone"

They are to love each other, fear God, and honor the king

Christians can obey both God and men, but only God is to be feared

2:18-20

The submission of slaves to masters

Many early Christians were household servants

Masters can be either good or bad

The duty of a slave was the same regardless

They were to submit cheerfully

They could rely upon God to give them the needed grace

In turn, this would be another powerful witness for the faith

This only works if they are suffering for doing good

If they've been insolent, they should be punished

The faithful are to endure undeserved punishment – it is commendable to God

2:21-25

The example of Christ

They can patiently endure because they have the example of Christ

He suffered for them; they should follow in his footsteps

Another OT quote from Isa 53:4-12 illustrates this

Jesus committed no sin and no deceit was found in him

Despite his innocence, Jesus offered no resistance

Jesus trusted in the heavenly Father's will

In the face of his accusers, Jesus was silent and did not react to their insults

Christ suffered for all people, not just slaves but also their masters

The purpose of Christ's death was "so we might die to sins and live for righteousness"

He died to bring new life to others

"By his wounds you have been healed"

This could include physical healing, but this is mostly spiritual thinking

People were like sheep going astray

Now they have been entrusted to "the Shepherd and Overseer of souls"

Lives that were purposeless before, now are filled with meaning

They will live in obedience to Christ

3:1-6

Submission for the wives

Wives are to submit to their own husbands, has to do with family issues and is not a statement about women in general

Since wives were generally subject to the authority of husbands, what happened when a wife converted?

If a wife became Christian, but the husband did not, the family relationship was threatened

Much of family life involved pagan rituals

Peter does not tell them to leave their husbands

Indeed, they are to persevere in winning their husbands over to Christ

Conduct speaks louder than words

The purity and reverence of their lives will win the husbands over

This does not refer to ritual cleansing, but to a life dedicated to Christ

The attractiveness of a Christian wife should not be outward, but inward

Braided hair, fine clothes, gold jewelry are superficial

Inward attractiveness – a gentle and quiet spirit – are commended by God

This beauty is unfading and ageless

Wives should follow holy women of the past in trusting God

Sarah is used as an example – she called Abraham "master"

Peter states wives are "daughters" if they do what is right

In this case, they should be obedient like Sarah

They have nothing to fear, again they are only strangers in this world

Their final place is waiting in heaven

3:7

Submission for husbands

Peter's admonition is much shorter for husbands than for wives

This might be due to the fact that if husbands converted, their wives were automatically included as well

According to Peter, marriage has reciprocal obligations

Therefore, husbands also had responsibilities to their wives

They are to be "considerate" and treat their wives with respect

(This was quite remarkable for antiquity)

Both husbands and wives are heirs to God's gracious gift of life

If husbands can do this, they will not be hindered in their prayers

In order to pray effectively, people must be right with each other

If a man abuses his wife, it will affect his relationship with God

3:8-12

Duties of a Christian

They are to live in harmony with each other

The words are literally "be of one mind"

Obviously the goal is to live in unity, sharing a unified purpose

It would have been necessary for those living in a hostile world T

hey should also be sympathetic – sharing in one another's feelings

They are to love one another as brothers (and sisters)

They are all part of God's family through the "new birth"

Compassionate and humble round out the list

These qualities are essential even when dealing with outsiders

If insulted, they should return with a blessing

They are to remember the many blessings they've received

It is for this very reason that they were called – to bless others

Peter quotes from Ps 34:12-16

To live a long and healthy life, people should watch their tongues

They should also refrain from evil and do good

In spite of adversity, they must seek peace and pursue it

This is at the heart of salvation

They can do this because God's eyes are on the righteous

His ears listen to their prayers

God is also watching those who are not righteous

His face will be against those who do evil

Peter's concern here is not for evildoers but for proper Christian living

IV – 3:13-5:11 – Christians will Suffer and Be Persecuted

3:13-17

The possibility of suffering for doing what is right

Believers are required to do good as a matter of obedience

Not everyone will view their activities in a positive light

(Jesus was killed for doing good)

If they suffer for doing good, they should not lose heart

They will be blessed in a way the world can never understand

God will always be present in their lives, sustaining them throughout

They do not need to be fearful or frightened

They can maintain a divine sense of peace – God is much greater

Their spiritual poise might be the beginning of new insights for unbelievers

They should always be prepared to give answers

Their reason for hope is their trust in the living God

They don't need to preach, but to explain the nature of their reliance on Christ

Their lives need to match their words

If they are right with God, they will have a clear conscience

Perhaps their accusers will be ashamed

In the short run, however, their accusers might be more inflamed

If this leads to suffering, they should patiently endure

It is better to "suffer for doing good than for doing evil"

3:18-22

Christ was the model sufferer

Christ was without sin, yet he died for our sins

He brought people to God; showed people how to submit in the face of insults

Through his work, people are restored, in a right relationship with God

(Scholars do not know how to interpret 18b to 4:6 – it appears to refer to first century beliefs about death. Believers have just been encouraged to stay firm in their beliefs. They are to emulate Christ, who also remained firm. These next verses describe the "victory" of Christ in language and images currently unknown to us.)

They killed Christ's body, but he was made alive by the Spirit

He no longer belonged to the realm of the dead

"He preached to the spirits in prison" – perhaps he spoke to others who were dead

These others "disobeyed long ago…in the days of Noah"

The reference to Noah recalls that time of judgment

Only "eight people were saved through water"

This brings up the saving qualities of baptism, which is available to them

All this is meant to encourage believers in the face of persecution

They can stand firm against opponents, knowing they are right with God

Baptism is a public acknowledgement of an inward spiritual commitment

They pledge to serve God and accept the work of Jesus – his death and resurrection

It is through Jesus' resurrection that people are saved

After his resurrection, Christ went into heaven to sit at God's right hand

This is a symbol of his honor and glory

Together with God, Christ now rules over angels, authorities, and powers

This pretty much covers it all

This is the support and power at their disposal in their own times of persecution

4:1-6

Exhortation to copy the Master Christian

Peter expounds on the example of Jesus' death

Believers' should abandon their pagan ways and follow Christ – even to death

Christ gave his all – suffered in his body in order to follow the will of God

Believers should have the same attitude

Jesus is "done with sin" – sin no longer has any impact, influence upon him

Christians should also live their lives in obedience to the will of God

They will not succumb to any evil desires

They have the spiritual power to do this

Peter reminds them of their immoral practices from the past

This part of their lives is over

They can go forward dedicating their lives to the Lord's work

Obviously, this conversion will be noticed by their neighbors

They might have a very negative response and "heap abuse on you"

Christians are not to respond, knowing that eventually the pagans will be accountable to God for their response

In the final days, judgment will be for both the living and the dead

Even those who have died will face judgment

If they responded to the gospel while they were alive, they lived according to God in regard to the spirit

Those who are still alive need not worry about them

Death is not the last word on anyone

4:7-11

Live for the glory of God

"The end of all things is near"

This may not refer to the "second coming" as much as helping people to keep their priorities straight

People oftentimes get very wrapped up in worldly affairs

This can affect believers' spiritual lives and their relationship with God

Even worse, it can affect their relationships with each other

They are to love one another deeply because love covers a multitude of sins

This love is borne out of the love Christ has shown unto them

This love should be practical – offer hospitality without grumbling

They are to open their houses and their resources to fellow Christians

Whatever gifts they've been given, they should use in service for each other

Some people might be gifted in preaching

Let them preach as though "speaking the very words of God"

Others might be better at serving

Let them serve "with the strength God provides"

When all is said and done, God will work in and through each individual

Any success is not their own, but is to be attributed to God

These spiritual gifts are not for human pride, but to glorify God through Jesus Christ

Ultimately, Jesus is at the heart of every good work

"To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen"

4:12-19

On suffering because you're a Christian

Being a Christian does not exempt one from suffering; it helps one through it

A "painful trial" really means an ordeal by fire – a fiery trial

It should come as no surprise that the world is antagonistic towards spirituality

If they are called to suffer, they can rejoice in knowing they are participating in the sufferings of Christ

They should be glad they have the opportunity to suffer as he did

They should rejoice, because they will benefit when his glory is revealed

Just as they participate in his sufferings; they will participate in his glory

If their characters are assailed because of Christ's name, they will be blessed

"The Spirit of glory and of God" will rest upon them

The world may rage about them, but they will have peace in their souls

This, of course, only applies to unmerited sufferings

If their conduct involves wrongdoing, they should pay the penalty

Those who are insulted for being Christians should feel no shame

They should praise God for the label

It means God will be fully present with them, through their sufferings

Soon, the last days will be here

God will be the Judge of all, the righteous and the unrighteous

The righteous will have to give an account of their lives

Those who are unrighteous can scarcely imagine the outcome

They have disobeyed God's commands, rebelled against his word

"If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly?"

The result will be devastating In summary, those who suffer unjustly should trust God, hand their lives to him

If they commit their lives to their Creator, God will be faithful to them

They have nothing to fear in persecution, but should continue to do good

5:1-4

Message for the elders

The elders would be those who were chosen to shepherd the church

Part of this was to lead by example – their lives were to be exemplary

Peter identified himself as a "fellow elder and a witness of Christ's sufferings"

He will also be one to "share in the glory to be revealed"

He exhorts these elders to "be shepherds of God's flock under your care"

A shepherd's duty is to lead, guide, and feed his flock

These believers are God's flock, entrusted into their care

They are responsible for the complete care of this flock

They may need to put the welfare of the flock ahead of their own at times

This is a divine trust and they will be accountable for it

They are simply "overseers" of these sheep

The task should be done out of gratitude and not motivated by money

Nor should they ever "lord it over those entrusted to them"

In looking after the sheep, they should express God's loving qualities

Their reward for all this will not be of this world

At the last day, they will receive the "crown of glory that will never fade"

Whatever this is, it is a reference to victory and triumph over suffering

5:5-11

Message for young men and humility for all

Young men are, of course, admonished to be respectful to those who are elder

It might refer to real differences in age, or to those who are new in positions

Regardless, all believers are to clothe themselves with humility towards the others

This reflects the Christly qualities of humility and service

"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (Prov. 3:34)

The "proud" would be all those who oppose Christians

In so doing, they are really opposing God – a totally fruitless endeavor

True humility is putting oneself under God's mighty hand

God, of course, is always in control of every event

His timetable might differ from humans, but his rescue will occur in the divinely right moment

Therefore, people are to look only to God

They are to "cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you"

God is not aloof but intimately concerned for His children

Believers, then, must be self-controlled and alert

The enemy will "prance around like a roaring lion looking for someone"

Lions can harm the sheep only when the shepherd has abandoned them

That can never happen with God

Even if they suffer unjustly, they should confidently know that they are spiritually safe, out of reach of their enemies

If the "devil" attacks, they should "resist him, standing firm in the faith"

It is possible for them to do this

It is also likely that others are experiencing the same persecutions

All Christians are caught up in similar challenges and sufferings T

hose who suffer do so "for a little while"

Then God will "restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast"

As the "God of all grace," He has resources to meet any need

Ultimately, they will all share in "his eternal glory in Christ"

Sufferings, then, are limited, but glory is eternal

As they experience suffering, they will grow in spirituality and be ever closer to God

"To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen."

Peter ends these stirring words with a doxology – praise for what lies ahead

V – 5:12-14 – Conclusion

5:12-14

Peter credits Silas with helping him write the letter

Silas (Silvanus) is mentioned in Acts 15:22, 27

It is unknown whether this is the same person

This Silas was a companion to Paul and co-author of 1 and 2 Thess.

He is regarded by Peter as a "faithful brother"

Peter hopes that his letter will be encouraging for believers as well as a testament to "the true grace of God"

He prays that believers will "stand fast" in this truth

He sends greetings from someone from Rome ("she" sends her greetings)

It is unknown to whom he is referring but it might be in reference to a church

He also includes a greeting from "my son Mark"

It is too speculative to think this is a reference to John Mark from Acts 12, 15

Lastly, he invites believers to "greet one another with a kiss of love"

"Peace to all of you who are in Christ"

The author ends 1 Peter with a note of love and peace to those who are in Christ. Surely this is in reference to the Christian practice whereby members greeted each other with a kiss and an embrace. It was to symbolize their unity as members of God's family. But it also acknowledges that Christ is the underpinning of such peace. If one is right with God, peace is the result. It begins with each other but by extension would be expanded throughout the whole human community.